After opening group stage play with a loss against France, Marko Mitrovic’s U.S. U-23s are already staring elimination from the Olympics in the face in only the second day of group stage play. A loss to New Zealand and a France victory could knock the United States out of Olympic play before they even get going, while a draw would make qualification quite tough by taking their fate out of their control on the final day of group stage play.
Here are our storylines, how you can watch the match and more:
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How to watch and odds
- Date: Saturday, July 27 | Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Orange Velodrome — Marseille, France
- TV: USA | Live stream: Fubo (Try for free)
- Odds: New Zealand +340; Draw +265; United States -165
Storylines
United States: With a loss to New Zealand and France picking up at least a point vs Guinea, the United States will be eliminated from the Olympics. Mitrovic may have to make changes to the starting lineup to avoid the United States being knocked out at the hands of New Zealand, but history isn’t on their side. The United States hasn’t made it past the group stage since 2000 and after losing to France, they’re at the bottom of Group A with a -3 goal difference which could matter. The lack of experience in the United States youth showed against France, but in facing New Zealand they will be on level footing.
New Zealand: Despite being outshot by Giunea, New Zealand were able to advance behind a winner from Plymouth Argyle striker Ben Waine. In 2020, this New Zealand team advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympics so they’re no strangers to getting out of the group stage, unlike the USMNT. They’ve never faced the United States before so their first meeting will come with high stakes.
Prediction
Despite their best efforts, the United States will make things harder for themselves by drawing against New Zealand and leaving things until the final day of group stage play where they’ll become big fans of France. Pick: United States 1, New Zealand 1
KVSP